Our Gamboa Rainforest tour combines some of the best wildlife and rainforest experiences surrounding the Panama Canal in one unforgettable day. Cruise Gatun Lake to Monkey Island, glide above the rainforest aboard the Gamboa Aerial Tram, visit the Sloth Sanctuary and wildlife exhibits, and finish with a buffet lunch overlooking the tropical forest.

Located just outside Panama City, Gamboa is surrounded by rainforest at the meeting point of the Chagres River, Gatun Lake and Panama Canal. This tour is ideal for travelers who want to experience Panama's rainforest, wildlife and canal landscape without having to choose between several separate excursions.

Please note: Wild animals live freely throughout the Gamboa rainforest and Gatun Lake area. Wildlife sightings during the boat and aerial tram portions of the tour cannot be guaranteed.

Table of Contents

1. Gamboa Rainforest Tour Itinerary
2. Gatun Lake & Monkey Island
3. Gamboa Aerial Tram
4. Observation Tower & Panama Canal Views
5. Sloth Sanctuary & Wildlife Exhibits
6. Buffet Lunch at Gamboa Rainforest Resort
7. Gamboa Rainforest Tour at a Glance
8. What's Included
9. What's Not Included
10. What to Bring
11. Important Tour Information
12. Gamboa Rainforest Tour FAQ
13. More Panama Wildlife Tours
14. Cancellation Policy

Gamboa Rainforest Tour Itinerary

Your adventure begins in Gamboa, surrounded by the dense tropical rainforest of the Panama Canal watershed. Guests who select our optional transportation service will be picked up from their Panama City accommodation at approximately 8:00 AM for the drive to Gamboa.

If you are arriving independently, please arrive in Gamboa by approximately 9:00 AM. The tour begins at 9:15 AM with a boat adventure on Gatun Lake and the Panama Canal.

Over the next several hours, you'll experience Gamboa from the water, above the rainforest canopy and on foot before finishing the day with lunch overlooking the jungle.

Gatun Lake & Monkey Island

The first adventure of your Gamboa Rainforest tour takes you by boat onto Gatun Lake and through waters connected to the Panama Canal.

Surrounded by rainforest, you'll travel in search of the wildlife that inhabits the islands and shoreline. Several monkey species live in the region, including white-faced capuchins, mantled howler monkeys and Geoffroy's tamarins. You may also spot sloths, toucans, iguanas, crocodilians and other tropical wildlife.

As you approach Monkey Island, your guide and boat captain will use their knowledge of the area to help locate wildlife. Because these are wild animals living freely in their natural habitat, the species and number of animals seen vary from day to day.

The boat ride also provides a unique perspective of the Panama Canal, where large commercial vessels may pass through the shipping channel while you explore the surrounding rainforest.

Gamboa Aerial Tram – Above the Rainforest Canopy

After returning from Gatun Lake at approximately 11:00 AM, the adventure continues aboard the Gamboa Aerial Tram.

The aerial tram carries you above the tropical forest, providing a completely different perspective of Panama's rainforest ecosystem. As the tram climbs through the canopy, look across layers of dense vegetation and listen for the birds and animals that inhabit the forest.

Wildlife may include monkeys, sloths, toucans and numerous tropical bird species, although sightings from the tram cannot be guaranteed.

The relaxed journey through the canopy is one of the highlights of this Gamboa aerial tram tour and provides excellent opportunities for photography.

Observation Tower & Panama Canal Views

At the top of the aerial tram route, continue to the observation tower for panoramic views across the rainforest and Panama Canal.

From the observation tower, enjoy panoramic views across the rainforest toward the Panama Canal, where large ships can often be seen navigating one of the world's most important waterways.

The observation tower provides one of the most impressive perspectives of the relationship between the Panama Canal and the surrounding rainforest.

Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary & Wildlife Exhibits

At approximately 12:30 PM, you'll continue to the Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary and nearby wildlife exhibits.

The sanctuary provides an opportunity to observe sloths at close range while knowledgeable staff share information about their biology, behavior and conservation.

You may see both two-toed and three-toed sloths and learn about the differences between the species, including their diets, metabolism and adaptations to life in Panama's tropical forests.

Your visit also includes the nearby Butterfly House, Orchid Garden and Frog Exhibit. These exhibits showcase additional species from Panama's remarkably diverse tropical ecosystems.

The Butterfly House features tropical butterflies including the striking Blue Morpho, while the orchid and frog exhibits offer another opportunity to discover the extraordinary biodiversity found throughout Panama.

Buffet Lunch at Gamboa Rainforest Resort

After completing the wildlife exhibits at approximately 1:30 PM, it's time to relax and enjoy a buffet lunch at Gamboa Rainforest Resort.

Enjoy your meal on the resort terrace while taking in views of the surrounding tropical landscape — a relaxing finish after a morning exploring Gatun Lake and the rainforest.

The buffet lunch is included in the tour price, along with water and one soft drink during lunch.

Gamboa Rainforest Tour at a Glance

• Adult: $163
• Child: $118 per child through age 10
• Minimum: 2 guests
• Duration: Approximately 5 hours
• Tour start: 9:15 AM
• Tour finish: Approximately 2:30 PM
• Availability: Daily except Mondays
• Panama City pickup: Approximately 8:00 AM when optional transportation is selected
• Main experiences: Gatun Lake, Monkey Island, Panama Canal, Aerial Tram, observation tower, Sloth Sanctuary, wildlife exhibits & buffet lunch

This comprehensive Gamboa Rainforest tour in Panama is ideal for travelers who want to combine Monkey Island, the aerial tram, rainforest wildlife and the Sloth Sanctuary rather than booking several separate experiences.

What's Included

• Bilingual English/Spanish guides
• Gatun Lake & Panama Canal boat tour
• Monkey Island wildlife experience
• Gamboa Aerial Tram
• Observation tower
• Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary
• Butterfly House
• Orchid Garden
• Frog Exhibit
• Buffet lunch
• Water and one soft drink during lunch
• Applicable Gamboa attraction entrance fees

What's Not Included

• Transportation from Panama City unless selected during checkout
• Transportation from Playa Bonita, Costa del Este, Tocumen or other areas unless the appropriate transfer option is selected
• Gratuities and personal expenses

What to Bring on Your Gamboa Rainforest Tour

• Comfortable lightweight clothing
• Comfortable and secure walking shoes
• Hat or cap
• Sunglasses
• Camera or phone
• Reusable water bottle
• Light rain jacket or poncho
• Insect repellent
• Cash for gratuities, souvenirs and personal expenses

Sun protection: Lightweight protective clothing and a hat are recommended, particularly during the Gatun Lake boat portion of the tour.

Important Gamboa Rainforest Tour Information

Transportation

The standard tour price does not include transportation from Panama City. Optional transportation can be selected during checkout.

Current transportation options include Panama City, Costa del Este, Playa Bonita, Tocumen and Amador Cruise Port. Please select the appropriate option when booking.

Meeting Time

Guests traveling independently should arrive in Gamboa by approximately 9:00 AM. The Gatun Lake boat tour begins at 9:15 AM.

Wildlife Sightings

Monkey Island, Gatun Lake and the rainforest surrounding Gamboa are natural wildlife areas. Although monkeys and other animals are frequently seen, specific species, numbers of animals and close encounters cannot be guaranteed.

Weather

Gamboa has a tropical rainforest climate and weather conditions can change quickly. Light rain is common, and tour timing or individual activities may be adjusted if conditions require it.

Cash

We recommend carrying some cash for gratuities, souvenirs and personal purchases.

Gamboa Rainforest Tour FAQ

What is included in the Gamboa Rainforest tour?

The tour combines a Gatun Lake and Monkey Island boat adventure, the Gamboa Aerial Tram, observation tower, Sloth Sanctuary, Butterfly House, Orchid Garden, Frog Exhibit and buffet lunch.

How long is the Gamboa Rainforest tour?

The main tour lasts approximately five hours, beginning at 9:15 AM and finishing at approximately 2:30 PM. Transportation time to and from Panama City is additional.

Does the tour visit Monkey Island?

Yes. The tour begins with a boat ride on Gatun Lake and through the Panama Canal area in search of monkeys and other rainforest wildlife around Monkey Island.

Will I definitely see monkeys?

No specific wildlife sightings can be guaranteed. Monkey Island is a natural wildlife area and the animals live freely in their habitat. Your guide and boat captain will use their local knowledge to maximize your chances of seeing wildlife.

Does the tour include the Gamboa Aerial Tram?

Yes. The Gamboa Aerial Tram and observation tower are included in this tour.

Will I see sloths?

The tour includes a visit to the Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary, where you'll have an opportunity to observe sloths at close range and learn about the species.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch at Gamboa Rainforest Resort is included, along with water and one soft drink during lunch.

Is transportation from Panama City included?

No. Transportation is optional and can be added during checkout. If transportation is selected from Panama City, pickup is approximately 8:00 AM.

Can I drive to Gamboa myself?

Yes. Guests arriving independently should plan to arrive by approximately 9:00 AM for the 9:15 AM tour start.

More Panama Wildlife Tours

If you want to focus primarily on wildlife without the aerial tram and buffet lunch, consider our Monkey Island & Sloth Sanctuary Tour from Panama City.

You can also browse our Panama City tours for more Panama Canal, rainforest, wildlife and cultural experiences.

Experience the Best of Gamboa Rainforest

From Monkey Island and the Panama Canal to the aerial tram, Sloth Sanctuary and rainforest views, this Gamboa Rainforest tour brings several of Gamboa's signature experiences together in one day.

Reserve your Gamboa Rainforest tour and experience Panama's wildlife, rainforest and famous canal from the water, canopy and jungle.

Cancellation Policy

Please read our Tour Cancellation Policy before booking.